The Escanaba City Council is holding a special meeting on Thursday, April 25, after receiving a proposal from Bell on April 19, offering to purchase lots "H" and "I," about 3.15 acres, at the the Whitetale Industrial Park for $35,000.

Bell’s would construct a manufacturing facility, which would employ five people, at the site. The project will be completed 18 months after closing on the property, according to the offer.

The City of Escanaba estimates the property is valued at $6,366 to $16,215 per acre. The city is recommending the approval of the sale.

“The creation of approximately five higher-skill level manufacturing jobs should be realized from the sale of the property and the development of the new facility,” the meeting agenda reads. “This new development could increase interest in bringing new manufacturers to the Whitetail Industrial Park.”

If approved by the city council, the development will come before the Escanaba Planning Commission.

An aerial photo of the property Bell's Brewery is offering to purchase for $35,000.Courtesy Photo of Escanaba City Council;

In 2010, Bell announced plans to invest $52 million over the next six years.

The company spent $20 million to expand its production facility in Comstock and more than $3 million on renovations to downtown Kalamazoo's Bell's Eccentric Cafe.

Bell said the company will spend between $10-$12 million in 2013 on capital improvements, including a waste-water system, a fermentation cellar and a canning line at the Comstock facility. He also plans to build a sports bar and a restaurant at the Café in Kalamazoo.

The brewery also spent more than $100,000 on legal fees in early 2012 to tender an offer to shareholders. The brewery became entirely family owned in December 2012.

A spokesperson from Bell’s did not comment on the Escanaba offer on Monday.